Rusty-looking water is a common plumbing problem. If your water looks rusty regardless of whether it’s hot or cold, then it’s likely caused by something beyond your house. For example, the neighborhood might be having the hydrants flushed or a water main might have broken. But if only your hot water is affected, then the problem is most likely your hot water heater.

Rusty hot water can be caused by sediment buildup inside the water heater. It’s also possible that the tank’s lining or jacket has broken, allowing water to come into contact with the metal. This will cause rust to form. You’ll need to call a plumber promptly and request a hot water heater repair or replacement. Otherwise, your water heater could spring a leak, leading to far more costly damage to the rest of your home.

With trenchless sewer repair, plumbers can fix pipes without digging a trench in your yard. You can watch the accompanying video to get a step-by-step look at how the process works.

First, the plumber will inspect the pipe to make sure the problem can be solved with this method. Then, hydro-jetting is done to clean out the pipe. The new pipe liner is assembled and a mixed epoxy solution is poured into it. The pipe liner is then loaded into an inversion tank, which is filled with compressed air to force the new liner into the pipe. After a few hours, the new liner is cured and the pipe is fixed.

Backflow is a potentially dangerous occurrence that can lead to contamination of the public drinking water. Your local water supplier may require you to have a backflow preventer installed in your home’s plumbing system for this reason.

Watch this video to learn about the importance of backflow prevention. Any loss of water pressure in your home could allow contaminants, such as pesticides used on your lawn, to flow into the water supply. A backflow prevention system in your plumbing will prevent this from happening.

If you’re concerned about backflow prevention, talk to a plumber in Sacramento at Ace Plumbing today. Our team works on everything from small plumbing repairs to large, emergency plumbing jobs. Call (916) 455-4548 for more information.

One of the reasons that homeowners typically dread the idea of making sewer repairs is that the process of accessing the sewer lines makes this plumbing service extremely costly. Since many sewer pipes run directly under pavement, such as your driveway, plumbers typically have to smash the pavement just to access the pipes, leaving you with costly repairs to make. At least, that is how plumbers used to do sewer repairs. Thanks to trenchless sewer repairs, those days are over. Now, homeowners can preserve their pavement while getting the repairs that they need.

With trenchless sewer repairs, plumbers can fix sewer line issues through one to two small openings, rather than exposing the entire pipe to find the problem. They can dig through any access point on your pipe, so there is no need to target paved areas. Your pipes will be fixed, and you won’t be left with a new list of repairs that need to be made.

If you’re concerned about problems with your sewer line, call Ace Plumbing. With our trenchless sewer repairs in Sacramento, you don’t have to dread fixing sewer line issues. Talk to a team member today by calling (916) 455-4548.

It’s easy to switch on your tap and expect water to start flowing without really considering how it gets there. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, most people simply don’t stop to think about the process that brings water to their homes, but knowing where your water comes from is the first step in considering how to conserve it. Here is a look at where the water that flows through your Sacramento plumbing comes from and some advice for conserving it in the future.

River City Water

Sacramento’s nickname of River City gives you a clue as to where the city’s water comes from. Nearly all of the city’s water supply comes from the surrounding rivers and waterways, including the American, Sacramento, Cosumnes, lower Mokelumne, and Yuba Rivers. Some of the water supply also comes from groundwater.

The American and Sacramento Rivers are the two biggest contributors to water in the city. Each of these rivers has an intake structure that feeds water in a treatment plant. On the American River, the water feeds into the E.A Fairbanks Treatment Plant, and on the Sacramento River, it flows into the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant. Within each plant, the water goes through a treatment process before it flows into reservoirs to be distributed as needed to homes throughout the city.

Water Conservation

There are many things you can do to reduce the amount of water you use in your home. If you have any leaky drains, call your plumber to have them repaired right away. Even small drips can use a huge amount of water that could be saved with an easy plumbing fix. Don’t run the tap while you brush your teeth or wash dishes, and make sure you run full loads when using your dishwasher and washing machine. Installing low-flow taps and toilets can also make a significant difference.

At Ace Plumbing, our plumbing repairs and new system installations improve the efficiency of your plumbing so that you can minimize your water consumption. Schedule a service call with a plumber in Sacramento by calling (916) 455-4548.

When it is time to replace your water heater, you don’t only have to choose between traditional and tankless water heaters, but also between electric and gas systems. There are pros and cons to each type, so which one is right for your home? Your plumber can help you make the best choices for your needs. This comparison will also help you weigh your choice.

Cost to Operate

Gas water heaters are the clear winner in terms of operational costs, whether they are traditional or tankless water heaters. Although the exact difference depends on your local utility costs, a gas water heater usually costs around $30 per month, while an electric water heater costs about $42 per month to operate. These rates will naturally vary depending on how much hot water you actually use. Part of the reason that electric water heaters cost more to operate is that they take longer to heat up water, thus using more energy.

Cost to Install

Electric water heaters cost less up-front to purchase and install. Gas water heaters are more expensive initially, even if you already have a natural gas line, and the cost will increase significantly if you have to add a line. This is true of both traditional and tankless systems. Despite the difference in initial cost, you may recoup the difference over the life of your water heater through the reduced operating costs of a gas heater. The ability to recoup your investment depends on the initial price of the systems, your utility costs, and how much you use your water heater.

Other Factors

There are other factors to consider when choosing between gas and electric water heaters. Gas water heaters tend to last for slightly longer than electric models, while electric models are considered to be safer since there is no risk of a gas leak. Gas heaters will work even in the event of a power outage, but electric heaters are more efficient because there is less residual heat loss.

Let the experts at Ace Plumbing help you with selecting a system and water heater installation in Sacramento. Get answers to your questions about all of our plumbing services by calling (916) 455-4548.

If you have a septic system, understanding how it works is an important part of keeping it in good condition. When you know the different parts of your system and how it should act, you’ll know when to call your plumber for septic service.

Watch this video to learn the basic anatomy of your septic system. Failure of any of these parts can lead to costly damage to your home and lawn, so get regular maintenance septic service and call your plumber as soon as you notice any signs of malfunctioning.

For septic service in Sacramento, call Ace Plumbing. Our plumbers provide maintenance service and repairs and emergency plumbing services any time you need them. For more information, call (916) 455-4548.

You turn on the shower to get ready for work or flip on the faucet to wash some dishes, and it hits you: You don’t have any hot water. Most homeowners find out that they need a new hot water heater once it breaks down completely, usually at the most inopportune time. Knowing how long your water heater should last—and the things that you may be doing to shorten its lifespan—can help you get the most out of your current unit and get ready for a replacement before you’re caught unawares. Here is what you need to know.

The type of water heater you have makes a difference.

Traditional and tankless water heaters have different life expectancies. A traditional water heater with a tank can usually last between eight and 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for much longer. Most tankless water heaters last for about 20 years, and some can last longer than that. However, that doesn’t mean that a tankless water heater is the right choice for every home. Instead, let your plumber help you choose the model that best meets your needs.

Several factors can impact how long your water heater lasts.

You can’t control all of the factors that can shorten the life of your water heater. For example, if you live in a place with hard water, sediment will build up faster in your hot water heater, which can make it wear out faster than expected. You can control other factors. Avoid installing a hot water heater in a space where temperature fluctuations are common, like a basement, as your unit will need to work harder than if it is in a place with a controlled temperature. Failing to have regular maintenance performed by your plumber can also reduce the lifespan.

You should start preparing for replacement before you need it.

Try to plan for replacing your water heater about two years before you expect it to wear out. As it nears the end of its life, pay close attention to signs of failure, such as banging sounds, pooled water on the floor, and inconsistent water heating.

Ace Plumbing provides hot water heater repairs when needed, and when the time comes, new water heater installation. Talk to a plumber in Sacramento about your hot water heater by calling (916) 455-4548.

When you have kids, your garbage disposal may seem more dangerous than functional. After all, the whirring sound of the blades makes kids irresistibly curious, but exploring could cause serious injuries. Fortunately, you don’t have to get rid of your disposal in order to keep your kids safe. With a few safety tips, you can get the functionality of a garbage disposal without putting your kids at risk.

Know What Kind of Garbage Disposal You Have

There are two kinds of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed garbage disposals are the most common type. They are controlled by a switch on the wall. Flip the switch, and the blades start spinning. Batch feed disposals have the same system of blades to grind up food, but they have a plug that sits on top of the disposal that must be turned to switch on the disposal. A batch feed disposal is the safest kind for kids since it is more difficult to use. If you have a continuous feed model, ask your plumber if you can switch it out for a batch feed.

Teach Your Kids About Your Disposal

A garbage disposal is certain to draw interest from your kids. Teaching them how it works can take the mystery out of it. Let your kids see how you use the disposal, and teach them that garbage disposals are for adults to use only. They may not understand how dangerous putting their hands inside the disposal—whether it is on or not—can be, so teach them about the risks and how to stay safe.

Use the Disposal Safely

Model the right way to use a garbage disposal by taking safety precautions yourself. Make sure the water is running when you turn on the disposal, and never stick your hands inside, even when the blades are off. Don’t attempt to put things down the disposal that could cause damage, like bones.

At Ace Plumbing, our plumbers in Sacramento can fix your malfunctioning garbage disposal or help you install a new model that is safer for your kinds. Find out more about all of our plumbing services by calling (916) 455-4548.

Getting your water or sewer lines repaired used to mean creating a new problem: the destruction of your landscaping. That is because plumbers used to have to dig through lawns, gardens, driveways, and sidewalks to access the lines. After the plumbing was repaired, homeowners were left with the expense of restoring their outside areas. Now, there is an alternative: trenchless repairs.

With trenchless repairs, our plumbers can run a new pipe through your existing water or sewer lines using only one or two small access points. Homeowners love this change because they can get the repairs they need without the additional expense of fixing their landscaping. Trenchless repairs can also be completed much more quickly than traditional repairs, so you can get back to normal faster than ever.

If you need a plumbing repair, choose Ace Plumbing. From small drain cleanings to trenchless sewer repairs in Sacramento, our plumbers do it all. Schedule an appointment by calling (916) 455-4548.